A mid-sized general contractor tries to convert Baltimore into a green city. Follow their journey...

Friday, October 23, 2009

Hawkeye Construction Completes First House in Massive Baltimore City Weatherization Project

Hawkeye Construction completed the first home in its Baltimore City weatherization contract to install insulation in more than 320 low income houses within the City limits yesterday. This contract reflects the City’s commitment to its citizens as well as a cleaner, greener Baltimore as well as Hawkeye’s commitment to green construction and energy efficiency.

View the coverage of this effort on WJZ.com

“We are excited to work with the City on a project focused on reducing its carbon footprint as well as making life a little more comfortable for lower income families,” said Andrew Todtz, president of Hawkeye Construction.

Hawkeye will begin installing blown-in insulation, attic insulation, weather stripping and pipe insulation this morning in Pimlico, an economically challenged neighborhood near the Pimlico Race Track. To meet the requirements of the contract, Hawkeye has purchased several specialized vehicles and machinery. The company is not only committed to this project but also to providing retrofit insulation services to others who may need help conserving energy and improving the comfort of their homes.

“The Baltimore City Weatherization Assistance Program is proud to be part of the national program for economic recovery, stimulating the economy at the same time that we are helping low-income families. We are also proud to be one of many local initiatives making Baltimore a greener and more sustainable city,” said Ken Strong, Director of Energy Efficient Homes for the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development.

Households make up about 22% of energy consumption in the United States. Proper and effective weatherization can decrease carbon emissions per household up to 20,074 LB. of CO2 annually. Currently low-income households pay a disproportionate amount of their income toward utility bills due to poorly weatherized units. The US. Department of Energy states “Low income households typically spend 16% of their total annual income on residential energy costs, compared with 5% for median-income households.”

Hawkeye Construction is a general contractor with both commercial and residential divisions. Recognized by Hanley Wood publications as one of the top 50 remodeling companies in the nation and regarded as a trusted vendor for nationally recognized companies, Hawkeye provides top quality remodels, ground-up residential and commercial construction. For more information, please visit http://www.hawkeye-construction.com

For more information about the City of Baltimore, please visit http://www.baltimorecity.gov